Attractions

When in the mood for a picnic, the locals of El Paso head straight to the Ascarate Park. This huge park that spans across an area of 448 acres and has all the requisites for a fun day out. With options like picnic shelters, grill facilities, kids playground, large picnic area and much more, everyone in the family has something to look forward to. For more details, check website.

Named after the famous Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, Frida's bathes its walls with reproductions of the painter's many works. A busy restaurant at times, there might be a bit of a wait during peak mealtime hours, but the wait is well worth it. The many dishes to choose from are expertly prepared, from the seafood to the steak to the traditional local items. The atmosphere matches to quality of the decor, and sometimes you can even dine to the peaceful strums of a Saulo guitarist.

The Misión de Corpus Cristi de Ysleta del Sur has a long history, going all the way back to 1682, when it was established by the Tigua Indians. The Tribal community sought refuge at this site while fleeing Spanish forces in 1680 and built a structure made of adobe. Over the next few centuries the mission suffered casualties as fire and flooding ransacked the building(s). It was rebuilt and moved several times until it reached its present site in 1908. It is considered the oldest continuous parish seat in Texas and it is also known as Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church.

The 71st operating temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Ciudad Juárez México Temple is situated in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua. Dedicated in 2000, the ceremony was attended by over 25,000 people, from Mexico as well as Texas. The white marble veneer temple has two sealing and ordinance rooms each.

The El Paso Zoo, though modest in size and means, aims to preserve and conserve as many species as possible. The 18-acre grounds feature hundreds of different types, from Amur leopards, Asian elephants, Sumatran Orangutans, alligators, and a host of fish and birds. In the morning the tiny tykes can meet sea lions, and on the African Star train, kids can get a really close look at some of the smaller animals, like the African hedgehog or an opossum. Every autumn the zoo puts on a two-day Elephant Festival. Don't miss it!

The Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission bears the distinction as one of the oldest structures in the El Paso/Juárez area, dating all the way back to 1668. The chapel is still in use today, while next door stands a contemporary cathedral. Behind the building stands a bronze statue of Fray Garcia de San Francisco, who founded the mission.

Washington Park is a quiet neighborhood park where you can take a quiet walk or simply enjoy some quality time with loved ones. Famous for hosting the annual Día de los Niños, Día de los Libros: a book fair, it attracts hoards of locals and tourists year after year. It's an ideal place to spend a lazy afternoon enjoying the sights under the warmth of the sun. Perfect for family outings and picnics.

The Chamizal National Memorial, with its large park, museum, gallery and 500-seat amphitheater, is a vibrant multi-functional hot spot for culturally diverse events and activities. The museum educates visitors on the 1963 settling of the US-Mexico border dispute and the amphitheater hosts the annual Siglo de Oro Drama Festival. Visit the website to see complete event calendar.

In 1691 this Franciscan mission was founded and named Nuestra Señora de la Concepción del Socorro. It's aim was to serve the Native American populations that arrived from New Mexico after their expulsion. Fifty-years later, a massive flood destroyed the original edifice and another was built on its site. That structure also became a casualty in another flood from 1829. Then finally the third and present mission was erected using some of the salvaged materials from the other churches in 1843. Today, this beautiful building hosts events and other services, don't forget to check out the annual festival in September to honor the patron saint Michael.

A seemingly ordinary stretch of green, the Lincoln Park is not your run-of-the-mill open green space. Hidden under the Patriot Freeway, this park is home to painted murals, splashed full of colors on the columns of the freeway, done by local artists. The color only becomes more vibrant when the El Paso Car Show unfolds here. Do stop by here when in the city, and really discover the city's creative side.

The historic Magoffin Home today houses a vast collection of Magoffin family artifacts used at the end of the 19th Century. On display guests will find furniture, decorative art and other interesting historical resources from this important El Pasoan clan. Built in 1875, the site still retains an old Texas charm with its period furniture and paintings. The site has become an integral part of the city's rich history as well as a landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Currently, the Texas Historical Commission manages the site and owns the belongings inside. Call ahead to find out more information or check website.

The Concordia Cemetery is a place of rest that is filled with historical characters of all types, from Mexican presidents and generals to Civil War Vets and even the man once known as the tallest in the world. There is also an interesting story about Chinese laborers buried here that glumly highlights the tumult and exploitation of men working on the American railroads. A very interesting cemetery indeed, guests will also find the graves of Buffalo Soldiers, gunfighters, war veterans and during the Halloween season, don't forget to catch the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) festival, it's a macabre, yet fun event.